I’ve said many times before that I have not led a very normal life.  Looking back on what I’ve done in the past few months … you would understand.  Sure, I’m not as busy as some people .. but I do fit a lot into a day.  Although I don’t have a “real” job .. somehow I’ve managed to survive.

Back in February we had a little road trip to see the Spencers perform up in Hartford, Wisconsin.  Only days later I was shooting a new video with my good friend Morgan Strebler.  It’s an effect that will be sold to magicians .. an effect called Shadows.

The following week we ran into Weird Al Yankovic right here in Naperville.  He was in town for a book signing .. and we snapped a photo.  That’s one more thing I can cross off my “bucket-list.”

Since then things have been picking up and I’m back to doing regular shows every weekend.  Somedays the schedule has been tight .. for instance the past two weekends we had shows at 7pm and 9pm.  No big deal right .. but, they were different locations.  This included sound, backdrops and 45 minutes of stage magic.  Sounds impossible .. well, it was close.  Of course I couldn’t have done it without Carol packing things up behind the curtain .. during the show.   We pulled it off … and it was back to work the next day.

Speaking of shows .. we also got to go backstage to visit with my new friends David and Jamie DaVinci.  They are traveling with Ringling Bros. Circus.  After the show we had a nice dinner at the Outback and wound up talking for hours.  Carol and I had a great time seeing their show in Champaige, IL back in March.

As I’m writing it’s just about June and I’ve got a busy summer planned.  I’ll try to keep things up to date .. but, you know how that goes.  I’ve got a few fun surprises in store to announce soon .. but, it will have to wait for now.  I still have much to tell you but, its time to get moving … I’ve got a lot to get done today!

Steve

Let’s just say .. I pack a lot into each and every day.  I feel good, if at the end of the day I’m exhausted. Then I know I’ve done my job.  I make no exceptions, especially if I’m out on the road for work or for pleasure.  My trip to Ohio was a little of both … but, by the end of the day I was usually out like a light when my head hit the pillow.  Let’s turn back a few pages of my calendar and see how my adventure went.

The original plan was to leave later on Wednesday and stay over night in Indianapolis.  My friend Carol joined me on the adventure to Magi-Fest once again this year.  Last minute, I changed plans and we hit the road a few hours earlier so we could make it all the way to Dayton that evening.  Our first stop was in Rensselaer, Indiana at a little place called Pizza King.  It was little off our path but, well worth the drive.  My good friend and fellow performer, Kevin Spencer had mentioned it more than once so .. we decided to give it a shot.  Wow, it was well worth the detour.  Not only was the pizza amazing, they had an old Ms Pac-Man arcade game to pass the time … it was pretty awesome!

After the long drive it was time to get some rest for then next few days would be busy.  First order of business was a little breakfast at Bob Evans and then off to Mrs. Sheppard’s house for a visit.  It was great to see her and she was doing well.  I see her every time I’m out that way .. she’s a very special friend of mine.  From there it was off to Columbus for the 80th annual Magi-Fest.

This years event was downtown at the Marriot .. and let me tell you, I’m not really use to staying anywhere fancy.  It took a little getting use to but, I just couldn’t relax.  The parking was valet and so we had no access to the car unless we were leaving.  I wasn’t really prepared for all that.  The other down side of things it that there was no where to eat after hours.  Let’s just say we survived on half a bag of chips and some soda out of the vending machine one night.

The convention was fun and some of the lectures were outstanding .. especially Jim Steinmeyer and Joanie Spina.  The dealers room offered a good variety of apparatus and equipment that help us work our wonders.  I think it would be pretty amusing seeing a layman walk through .. there are plenty of odd things to see.

Friday we made our annual stop to visit my friends at Cabbage Cases.  As usual, I brought along a few tricks to share with the workers.  It’s always enjoyable to see their reactions .. especially when I bring the magic to them.

Later in the day, it was time for a quick run to Skyline Chili with my good friend Tom Rozoff.  It’s the only time of year I can have a few of those Coney Dogs and the 3-Way Chili.  I’m getting hungry just thinking of it .. it’s killing me!  Tom is always good for a few laughs and I’ve known him since I was just getting started.

The convention is always well organized and one of my favorites to attend.  I’m not too fond of staying downtown but, we made the best of it.  I’ll be better prepared next time .. and have some snacks ready.  On Saturday the dealers room was all but packed up by 5pm and the Headliner Show was down the street at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.  There was no reason to stay the evening so, we hit the road after the show and headed up to Findlay, Ohio.  This would save us a few bucks and we would have less driving to do on Sunday.

After a fun visit with Owen Redwine and his family it was time to head back home.  Again it was a fun-filled journey and Carol survived.  I still don’t think she understands that I just can’t sit still and relax .. it’s just not my thing.

Steve

Question: Where does a 100 pound German Shepherd sleep?

Answer: Anywhere he wants.

Now is as good of time to write a quick note.  I lost my bed to Rexx this morning. Sure he left me a corner of it .. but, I figured it was time to get up anyway.  Tomorrow I leave on my annual journey to the Columbus Magi-Fest.  It’s an annual gathering of magicians from across the country and this year marks their 80th anniversary.  I’ve been attending since the early 90′s and I look forward to it every year.

You would have to be out of your mind to make the lateral move from cold and snow to more of the same.  It couldn’t come at a better time though .. in the dead of winter it really lifts my spirits.

My good friend Carol will be the co-pilot for the trip.  She’ll remind me to watch my speed and to check in with mother while I’m away.  It’s only a few days out of town but, we’ve got a lot to do.  Along the way we’ll be making stops to visit friends in Dayton, Columbus and Bowling Green, Ohio.  I think I’ve got just about everything ready for the trip .. including my iPad.  We’ll have to dress warm of course .. but, I do have a pair of swim trunks just in case.

Ya never know …

Steve

Like most people .. December is a very busy time of year.  In the line of work I’m in that can consist of multiple shows, in various locations .. all in one day.  This year my schedule was so tight that I actually duplicated my show .. every effect, all the supplies and even the sound system in order to have it previously set up in another location.  It may sound a little confusing but, there just wasn’t enough time for us to unload and set up between show times.  I’ve only heard of a few big time bands that have duplicate set-ups .. and let me tell you, it was the only way that we could have pulled it off.  In fact, we had five minutes to catch our breath between the first and second show that day.  Along for the ride was our Chezababe in training .. Carol.  She’s still learning the show and doing a great job .. even with pages of notes, it’s not an easy task.  Not to mention putting up with me for hours at a time, the glamorous life on the road includes nutritious meals along the way.  Not only that .. we had to deal with our first heavy snow of the season.  That all adds up to extra work getting equipment in and out of the venues were performing in.  It’s all part of the game.

I was lucky enough to have kept busy with shows this month, it has not been easy for many entertainers considering how our economy has been.  Of course after the holidays are over .. things will slow down until February, when the Cub Scouts of America schedule their annual awards banquet known as the Blue and Gold Dinner.  This is a special night for the members to receive their awards and badges they have earned over the year.  Many times they are treated to some fun entertainment provided by a magician or illusionist .. such as myself.  We’ve been the featured entertainment at many of these events especially right here in Naperville for well over 25 years.  If you have someone involved in Scouting, be sure to drop my name.

Of course there has been some time to visit with friends and family the past few weeks.  In fact I took up some target practice with my little buddies Colin and Tyler.  If you’re a returning visitor to my site .. you’ll know exactly who they are.  The boys are growing up so fast .. it’s amazing.  We had a fun time and Carol and I had a long drive home in another snowstorm.

Just the other day my good friend Blade and his dad, Carl were in town for a visit.  It was also my mothers birthday so, we all met for dinner in downtown Naperville at the Montana Grill.  We had a fun visit and then headed over to the Apple Store just down the street.  They know me by name over there .. I’m not even kidding.  For some reason I just can’t keep myself from going in there when ever it’s in sight.  I’ve said many times, that I should just get a job there.

It was getting late and the temperature was dropping so we called it a night.  The last time I saw my buddy was back in August at the Abbott’s Magic Get Together.  You can find us working backstage with some of the top magic acts from around the world.  We work hard but, we sure have a fun time being part of one of the longest running magic events in the country.

The clock is ticking and 2010 has flown by .. I still can’t believe it.  Yes, there are some huge gaps here on the blog and maybe I’ll get a chance to fill them in one day.  I’ve been told by more than one person that I should write a book about some of my adventures.  I’m not so sure anyone would believe them …

Happy New Years to my friends around the world .. may you find peace and happiness in the coming year!

Steve

Yes,  it’s been forever since I wrote .. I have no excuses.  Actually I could come up with a million excuses but, I’ve simply been distracted.  Summer flew by and I should touch on some of those details soon.

It’s already November and the winter is approaching .. I just can’t believe how fast it all goes by.  I just wanted to write a quick note to let you all know I’m still alive and well.  I’m going to be spending some quality time in the dentist’s chair .. so, pray for me if you will.

If you haven’t already found me on facebook please do so.  I’m on there way too much .. and I share my random thoughts with almost 1400 friends on there.  Just look up my name and add me as a friend.  As long as you’re not some crazy nut-job … I’ll “friend” you.

I’ve got a lot of catching up to do .. and I will,  it just seems like I’m running out the door for one thing or another.  I guess that’s a good thing .. right?

Steve

There’s actually a little note in my calendar where I left off last time .. are you ready, April 11th.  Let’s just say I’ve been preoccupied.  I’m up early today .. so, let’s get caught up.  My younger brother, Jeff turned forty in May.  We decided to have a surprise party a month early .. you guessed it, so he would be surprised.  Yes, we got him .. and family and friends gathered for food and fun.  Many of my good friends were in attendance and there was plenty of chaos .. a fun time was had by all.

Fast forward to May … and there was a lot of magic events going on in and around Chicago.  There was the annual Magic Flea Market in Elmhurst,  David Copperfield was performing downtown and the Magic Collectors Association was the following week near Ohare.  Before you know it .. my birthday snuck up on me. I had already been waiting over a month to get my hands on an Apple iPad .. and finally the day arrived.  Yes, it is all that and more.  I took it to bed with me that night .. for real!

In the mean time I’ve been busy working some restaurant gigs and shows in the area.  It looks like things are picking up slowly but, it’s not like it use to be.  I’ve worked hard for many years so, I’ve done Ok .. but, I know many people are struggling these days.  My brother recently lost his job .. so, if you’re looking for some help .. drop me a note.

Let’s see … we’re almost caught up.  The gang went to see the Kane County Cougars, I taught a Magic Mini Course at Bee Be School in Naperville.  The iPhone 4 came out .. and I’ve got to wait for that too.  Mother had cataract surgery .. and yes, she’s doing fine.  My little buddy Rexx turned five, Carol turned 29 .. again,  KISS tickets went on sale and Michael Jackson is still dead.  I think we’re caught up now .. right?

Steve

It’s a good thing I wasn’t turning this stuff in for college credit … I’m late again!  I left off some time in February .. I think.  I’m going to turn back my calendar and see what we skipped over.  Ah, first bit of significant information I see is that I lost my gig at Max & Erma’s right after Valentines Day.  I had been performing Close-up Magic there for almost five years.  Times are tough .. and all entertainers were cut from the chains payroll.  I can’t tell you how I miss many of my little friends that would come and see me every week.  It’s sad but, business is business and I’m thankful for the many years of employment from the chain.  Who knows .. maybe I’ll be back one day.

Now that I’m nearly unemployed .. lets see whats next on my busy schedule.  Finally something fun, my good friends the Spencers were coming to town.  I’ve written about them before, they have the largest traveling illusion show in America .. second only to David Copperfield. I think that’s quite an accomplishment itself.  Their fun, family show was near by, so I spent the day with them.  My buddy, Greg Mulvey of Presto Productions was filming a few bits for future projects.  After the work was done I had a chance to sit and chat with Kevin .. one on one.  It was really nice just to relax for a few minutes and talk shop.  On a show day, we’re always rushed .. and there are a million things to attend to.  I also shared some time with Keith Barber and Kevin’s wife Cindy.  Their show is really special and if they are ever in your area .. get tickets fast, as they sell-out frequently.  I had a great time with the Spencers and the crew .. I can’t wait to see them again.

Now I’ve got you caught up with to the beginning of April .. lets see what else I can cover in a few paragraphs.  As you might have guessed, writing wasn’t one of my stronger subjects in school. It’s funny .. I’m writing more than I ever did before.  So, only a few weeks later there was a special show and tribute to my good friend Marshall Brodien.  He of course was one of the stars on the Bozo Show here in Chicago better known as Wizzo the Wacky Wizard.  The event was held at the beautiful Raue Center in Crystal Lake, IL.  It was a real fun time and Marshall asked me to assist on stage with his infamous Blade Box Illusion.  His lovely wife Mary was ready and willing to jump in the box.  I few years back, I recreated this very prop that Marshall used at Riverview Park.  After the show there was a reception for Marshall and his guests .. a fun time was had by all.  I’m going to pick up the very next day .. it’s been one thing after another over here.  I still have tons of photos to go through .. you would think I have plenty of time on my hands now .. right?

Steve

Today was a record high .. over 80 degrees in the Chicagoland area.  I’m still writing about my adventure a few months back in February.  Can you believe it … I’m so far behind.  Bare with me as I try to catch up on things … so, here goes.  We left off with a quick bite to eat at Skyline Chili before the big evening show in downtown Columbus, Ohio.  As you can see Carol enjoys the Coney Dog as much as I do.

The evening show was the highlight of the convention, a showcase of some of the best talent from across the country.  All but one act met the challenge .. and nearly brought the whole show down with him. I don’t need to name anyone but,  someone dropped the ball on this one.  Let’s just say this “act” had no business being on stage. I could go on .. but, I’ll save it for the MagicCafe.  I think we made our way back to the convention center and then maybe a late night stop at the Waffle House for breakfast.  The schedule was pretty simple .. Eat, Sleep … Magic!

Now we’re looking at Saturday morning .. well, eventually I woke up.  I believe I missed a lecture or two … once again, sleep was a priority.  Lunch as you may have guessed was another stop at Skyline Chili .. I think.  The snow had finally stopped and there was an accumulation of 14 inches over the past two days.  I was pretty confident that the roads would be clear on Sunday for the drive back home.  There was one full day left of the convention that included lectures, close-up magic and the evening show. Let’s not forget the dealers room, filled with all the cool props and gimmicks that we can’t live without. We’re really not much different than kids in a candy store.

After visiting with friends and the conclusion of the convention, it was getting late and our options for dinner were limited.  Then I remember spotting a Steak n’ Shake not far away. It was a nice way to end the night and get some rest for a long day of driving tomorrow.  First stop .. well, milk and donuts at Tim Horton’s .. then up north to Bowling Green, Ohio to visit with my friend Owen Redwine and his family.  It’s about two hours north and then another five hours back home from there.  We all had lunch at Penn Station and had a real nice visit.  My little buddy Connor is seen here devouring a cookie just about the size of his head.  I remember showing the boys a little magic and even performing the Pom Pom Stick out in the parking lot. Daylight was burning and I still had the majority of driving left to do.  Even for a few days .. it was nice to get away from the chaos back home.  The journey is long and cold but, the friends I’ve made over the years make it all worth while ..

Steve

It’s already been a month since I’ve been back from Ohio .. but, there is plenty to tell so here goes.  The journey began late Wednesday night with my first stop in Indianapolis, Indiana.  It was easier to break up the trip rather than drive all night.  After a good nights sleep it was off to Dayton to visit my dear friend Mrs. Sheppard.  Even at 83 she’s still very independent and full of energy.  Her late husband Walter was one of my magic mentors.  He shared his secrets of magic and woodworking .. I will always remember the many things he taught me.  After a few hours of fun and a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up some Esther Price candies, it was time to hit the road again.  The annual Magi-Fest convention begins tonight!

The weather was clear and we arrived just in time for the evening show.  Afterwards, the dealers room was open and I was like a kid in a candy store.  It’s always fun to see whats new in the world of magic.  I believe the close-up show was on the same night and I really looked forward to seeing some real sleight-of-hand. It was past midnight before it was time to grab a little something at the local Waffle House.  It was a long day .. and the adventure was just beginning.

The talent contest began at 8am but, you guessed it .. I opted for sleep.  Of course I do have my priorities .. and sleep comes first even though I really do enjoy the contests. I rolled out of bed around 10am only to discover it was snowing … and it was coming down heavy.  They were forecasting eight inches or so for the weekend.  I’m not sure what the final total was but, there was really no better place to be snowed in than with 600 fellow magicians!

The first stop of the day was to see my good friends at Cabbage Cases in Columbus, Ohio.  My buddy Mike Hannah took Carol and me to lunch at a fun place called Cap City Fine Diner .. everything was awesome! Afterward we headed back to the factory for my annual show.  I perform right there in the middle of the factory for the crew. It’s a fun break in the day for them and I really enjoy performing for some very hard working people.  They manufacture many of the ATA style cases used to transport my equipment from show to show.  They always treat me like royalty and I look forward to seeing them each year.

It was time to make our way through some of the snow covered highways back to the convention at the north end of town.  There were a few lectures in the afternoon that I wanted to catch along with meeting up with my good friend Tom Rozoff.  He was arriving later that day and we would grab some dinner before the evening show.  We met up at Bob Evan’s although I really had a taste for a couple of Skyline Coney Dogs. For some reason the waitress didn’t get around to our table fast enough .. and we were on a schedule that night.  We made a quick exit and headed across the street to .. you guessed it Skyline!

Stay tuned for the rest of the trip …

Yes, it’s been much too long since my last post.  If you’re reading this .. then you’ve survived the holidays and that’s a good thing.  January is a month to catch up on things for most of us … so let’s see what I can fill you in on.  My good friend Terry Evanswood and his crew came up to perform at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL.  I’ve worked with Terry on and off stage many times over the years.  We basically grew up together and he’s one of my best friends.

The show was scheduled for the second weekend of January.  First show on Saturday evening and a matinee on Sunday.  For those who don’t know what all is involved .. let me try to explain.

After the truck is loaded with props and costumes, Terry and his cast made the twelve hour drive from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.   They arrived late in the evening on Friday night.  After a few hours sleep, they arrive at the theater around 9am.  The load-in begins and I arrive soon afterwards with my equipment.  I’m there with additional illusions and special effects for the show.

It seems early enough in the day but, problems begin to arise.  The main curtain won’t open or close .. and the clock is ticking.  The theater is nearly 100 years old … and in many ways it shows it’s age.  We have to deal with it .. and fast.  A few hours later the curtain is repaired .. or so we think, and rehearsal begins.

My responsibilities include pulling the ropes, moving and setting the illusions, lighting .. and special effects.  Let’s just say .. I could have used an extra set of hands.   I had a long list of cues that were simply scribbled down on some scrap paper.   Yes, it’s a bit messy but,  it will have to do.

The props are  set and we’re ready to run through the show. With the first cue, we discover that the curtains are off track once again.  This time they’re stuck in the closed position.  Now were facing a real dilemma .. we may have to cancel the show tonight.

After a brief lunch break, I decide to take a closer look at the cause of the problem.  I soon discover the rope is off the pulleys on stage right.  Sounds like a simple fix but,  it’s up about 35 feet in the air.  I’m not much for climbing a ladder so, we manage to get the curtain open and come up with plan B.   This is an old movie house so the screen can be brought up and down.  Sounds simple enough .. but, it’s on ropes and it’s heavy.   This of course would become one of my tasks .. and not an easy one.

Now we’re only hours away from show time .. and no time for a full rehearsal.   This is often the case but, because we are all professionals .. we pull it all together.  This time around .. I even had my doubts but, once the show begins .. we made it look as smooth as could be.  Sure there were a few missed cues but, Terry is so comfortable on stage .. he makes it all work out.  He recently completed a run of 1500 show in Pigeon Forge in just three years.

The show runs a bit long and I think I made it home around midnight or so.  After a bit of sleep it was time to do it all again.  The matinee would be a lot easier on all of us as we’re already set up and we’ve got the bugs worked out from the night before.  The house is nearly full and the show goes like clockwork today.  Terry and the cast sign autographs afterwards while the crew begins to strike the show.

A few hours later we’re loading the truck in the bitter cold.  We all worked hard and worked together as a team.  The hours are long and we faced many challenges along the way .. but, it’s all part of the game.  I can’t think of anything more rewarding than working with friends like Terry and his team.

Steve